A Quirky Journey of Life

decorating

I’ve got that feeling again. I’ve been at my home for bout two and a half years and I feel the need to re-arrange & spruce up my space.

Years ago, this would have been a weekend project. I’d start after work on a Friday and work my tail feathers off and have it all set & done by Sunday.

With a chronic illness, those days are over! It’s true that all your energy can be spent taking a shower. So how am I to accomplish such a huge mountain of tasks?? I just fifteen minutes a day!

First, let me tell you that none of this would be accomplished without me first knowing my limits. Secondly, if you haven’t been exercising, start! The energy you will need to take on your project is going to be a huge help. And lastly, ask for help when you need it.

I began with a mind mapping/brain storming or as some like to say “plans for success on a cocktail napkin”. I mapped out what I wanted to move, remove, donate and purchase. I then had a general idea of what needed to be done.

Since the balcony is the easiest of my projects I will start with that. Task: power wash deck. Purchase: two patio umbrellas. Planning out these individual items may seem a bit overboard but look at it this way. You can either do yourself harm by doing it all at once or bit by bit.

This brings me to my biggest change yet. Time. With my task list all set, I gave myself a six week time-frame to complete my spring fling, with included a master bathroom, creating a capsule wardrobe, de-clutter a craft space & rearrange furniture in the bedroom. Along with my list I gave myself 15 to 30 minutes a day to complete one task. Today’s example is finishing up the wardrobe with items I think are maybes & shoes. {for more info on how to create a capsule wardrobe check out un-fancy.com}

Timer is set, off I go.

I know how hard it is to stay motivated and active when we hurt and literally can’t move but staying stagnant isn’t my life plan. I did overdo and did too much on a rest day and it cost me in the long run. For me, the learning process of “I’ve got to do this now” has to become “I can do this bit by bit, day by day”

Hope these tips help you in any large task you need to accomplish. Just remember, plan it out, give it time & set your limit.

To embrace some new traditions I decided to start the new year with the Seasonal tree. In her book Mrs Sharp’s Traditions Sarah Ban Breathnach illustrates the use of the tree to celebrate the year and all it’s various traditions. Not just for Christmas but for Valentines, Easter, Summer Solstice, Autumn and Thanksgiving.

I found a “wintergreen” tree at my local thrift haunt and added miniature battery operated lights ($3.99 at a hobby store). With a snowflake punch I added a few snow flakes here and there.

Seasonal Tree for January

Nice way to continue to celebrate the winter season. Looking for some vintage inspired items for next month!!! Let the treasure hunt begin!

Pinterest has become one of my most favorite things in the whole wide world! I have a plethora of boards for decorating, altered art, cleaning, foods, style and most recently I added Gotta Try This. There are a gazillion DIY pins that I weed through and every so often one catches my eye. I thought this would be a perfect forum to check these out for myself and report back on how it worked for me.

So, welcome to my new monthly series, GOTTA TRY THIS! Beginning in September, the last Thursday of each month will feature a pin that I have tried out. Hope you enjoy and you can follow my pins here.

Instead of using drawer pulls I used Martha Stewart Home Office™with Avery™Adhesive Metal Bookplate to categorize the items in the boxes. I like the eclectic look the cigar boxes give my studio. They are generally free at local smoke shops and I plan on getting more for storage in the future. I am starting to see them at the thrift shops but will only buy them if they are on a $! color tag day since I don’t want to spend more than a dollar if I have to.